I know a lot of people think the Prime Directive is made to be violated.
I can already hear you shouting in that fucking shouty geek way. “It’s dramatically necessary!” you are saying. “Any Trek captain worth his or her salt will get on that shit immediately!”

I, on the other hand, have always maintained that the general concept of non-interference is a pretty good idea (probably could’ve got home a lot sooner if you hadn’t dicked so many Delta Quadrant societies around, Janeway).

It is, in fact, even a good idea when applied to our deceptively simple twenty-first century one-on-one relationships. I mean, look: most humans are kind of assholes. Entangling yourself with your fellow man — or woman — means you will carelessly entrust others with vital information about yourself. Information they may not be ready for.

Or, even more likely, information they will use against you. Trust me: the first tiny, spiteful chance they get, your fellow human will fuck you over. And then where will you be? Suddenly, the Alien Society of You is locked in full-on civil war, damaged beyond repair.

Now don’t get all armchair psychologisty on me. My Alien Society is getting on just fine, thanks. But it’s because I learned my lesson pretty early on. It’s because I studiously apply my own personal Prime Directive whenever possible.

It works. Maybe it could work for you, too. Ya hearin’ me, Janeway?